Yudaganawa Temple is located close to Buttala on the Wellawaya– Buttala Road. This is one of the largest Stupas in the country and dates back to 2 nd century BC. This is thought to be place prince Tissa and his brother prince Gamini (Later The great king Dutugemunu) has a major battle for the throne after the death of his father King Kavanthissa (2 nd century BC)

This colossal stupa was probably was not completed and it seems that the top of the partially constructed stupa was leveled and a smaller stupa was built on top it at a later stage. This stupa is also known as Kinkini Stupa among the locals.

After thousands of years of negligence, stupa is now under restoration. You can still see massive trees on the upper platform of the stupa which has not been uprooted yet. Also waking around the stupa you can see the platform of the stupa has been cleared after excavating about 3 feet.

Just before the Yudaganawa car park you will pass a small stupa on the road side. This is identified as the Chulangani Viharaya belonging to the 12th century. But the Buddha statues inside the image house have been dated to the 6-7th centuries.

You can reach the site from either Wellawaya or from Kataragama depending on which route you take.

You can reach Wellawaya in through many roads. If you are coming from Badulla or Bandarawela you must tale the Ella Road which lies between Badulla-Bandarawela Road. On the way you will also pass the beautiful Ravana Ella too on the way. There is a another road from Koslanda. Taking this road will take you through the 220 metre high waterfall Diyaluma. Koslanda lies between the Balangoda – Haputhale Road.

If you are coming from Kataragama, use the Buttala Road and from Buttala town turn to Wellawaya Road. On this route, you will be also passing places such as Maligavila Statues and Dematamal Viharaya.

The by-road (turn off) to this historic site is few kms form the Buttala town and there was no clear indication at the turn off. So its best to ask for the turn off from a local. This by lane is a tar road and you have to walk about 100 meters form to new temple to the this archeological site.